Don't drink, boys, don't! <br />There is nothing of happiness, pleasure, or cheer, <br />In brandy, in whiskey, in rum, ale, or beer. <br />If they cheer you when drunk, you are certain to pay <br />In headaches and crossness the following day. <br />Don't drink, boys, don't! <br /> <br /> <br />Boys, let it alone! <br />Turn your back on your deadliest enemy-Drink! <br />An assassin disguised; nor for one moment think, <br />As some rashly say, that <br />true <br />women admire <br />The man who can boast that he's playing with fire. <br />Boys, let it alone! <br /> <br /> <br />No, boys, don't drink! <br />If the habit's begun, stop now! stop to-day! <br />Ere the spirit of thirst leads you on and away <br />Into vice, shame, and drunkenness. This is the goal, <br />Where the spirit of thirst leads the slave of the bowl. <br />No, boys, <br />don't <br />drink! <br /> <br /> <br />Boys, touch not, nor taste! <br />Don't think you can stop at the social 'First Glass.' <br />Too many have boasted that power, alas! <br />And found they were slaves to this seeming good friend, <br />And have grown into drunkards and knaves, in the end. <br />Boys, touch not, nor taste! <br /> <br /> <br />Don't drink, boys, <br />Don't <br />! <br />If the loafers and idlers scoff, never heed: <br />True men and true women will wish you 'God-speed.' <br />There is nothing of purity, pleasure, or cheer <br />To be gotten from whiskey, wine, brandy, or beer. <br />Don't drink, boys, <br />Don't <br />!<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/don-t-drink/
